New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-10-11
THE ELECTIONS OF 1887.

The elections this fall will not put an end
to Democratic hopes. 1t is already recognized
that the Democrats will probably be defeated in
several important States 1t is recognized that
the loss of these States Will render Democratic
success exceedingly doubtful with President
Cleveland as a candidate. Nevertheless, the
circumstances are such, in each of these States.
that Democratic defeat can be attributed to
temporary or local causes, and meanwhile the
party has no other candidate whose nomination,
against Mr. Cleveland and his officials, would
not mean overthrow in 1898.
The Newly ork election ought to end in a
decisive Republican victory. The behavior OF
the Administration has done quite as much to
weaken the Democratic party as the conduct OF
its members of Congress. Political memories
are proverbaly short. but there are thousands
of voters in this State who have not forgotten
their disgust when Congress wasted long
session in sheer incompetence, surpassed even
the worst of all Republican Congresses in lavish
approximations failed to make any provision
for business interests or financial emergencies,
and arrested the revival of industry by a sense
less raid on the protective tariff. 1t would he
strange indeed if behavior so harmful and so
to turn many voters against the Democratic
party. Meanwhile, President Clevelands APP
pointmcnts have made him trouble continually.
His fragrant disregard of Civil Service pledges.
his choice of many unworthy men, his Snecrs
at disabled soldiers, his order to surrender
rebel flags, his failure to protect the rights Of
American fishermen. his strange leaning toward
British interests and policies, have alienated
other considerable bodies Of voters who sup
ported him in 1884.
But there are several tickets in the field.
When thousands Of Democratic voters have
expressed their apathy or their disgust by
absence from the polls, or by votes for 10
publican candidates, il will still be possible for
Mr.. Cicvelands friends TO claim that heavy
loss was due to purely ephcmeral and local
causes; to diversion of votes by the Labor
ticket, or to displeasure with the State Admin
istraion. There are not wanting signs that ir-
nuental Democratic organs, anticipating the
defeat Of their party In this State, VIII make
it the occasion for rcsolutc attack on the
President. But when they prove that the
people arc disguised with him. what other and
better candidate can they otferi The truth
is that voters are more disguised with the
Presidents party than with the President
himself.
Defeat of Democratic candidates in Ohio and
Pennsy ivania, by anyordinary majoritcs, would
only provo that neither the President nor the
party had gained anything IN those States.
Shameful frauds in Ohio Indiana and New
jersey would be called a sufficient explanation
for local losses. Democratic defeat in Mary
land is not unlikely. BuL that will also te
attributed to "local controversies" Well
informed men know that the Presidents APP
pointment of criminals from that State has
made the revolt possible but his friends Will
claim that |" it is all mere quarrel over the
spoils," and has only temporary influence.
With some reason in recent experience, they
viii say that the same men who are now
Ioudcst in denunciation of German, Higgins,
Raisin, Thomas and the rest, will work zeal
ousIv for the reelection Of the President when
he IS the regular Democratic candidate.
The elections this fall ought to be decided
on broad grounds of public policy. Repub-
licans have faith that the tendencies and con-
duct of the Democratic party-not Of fresl-
dent Cleveland, or Secretary Bayard, or
Governor Hill, but of the National party oi
which they all instrumcnts-have become
so known to tho majority of voters that Nc
publican victories this year will only forcshadow
a Republican triumph in 1888. 1t is not a
ouestion of men. Mr. Cleveland in some
things better than his party, is considerably
worse in others, and in none proves able to
resist those who are behind him. The tendon
cies of the party, and its rcsisticss influence
over any official who consents TO accept olice
1T its hands. ought to render its defeat certain.
even if it could find a saint or a sage willing
TO be its candidate and could contrive to
nominate him.